Ultimate Dunker Burger with Homemade Au Jus: Your New Favorite Sandwich
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary experience with the Dunker Burger. This isn’t just any burger; it’s a masterful creation featuring succulent beef patties, perfectly melted American cheese, and golden-toasted Texas toast. What truly sets it apart is the generous side of homemade Au Jus, transforming a classic into a sophisticated, dippable delight. Forget everything you thought you knew about burgers – this recipe is about to become your new obsession, offering a unique “grilled cheese style” twist that promises to elevate your burger night.
If your regular burger routine has become a bit monotonous, the Dunker Burger offers a refreshing and incredibly flavorful alternative. We’re talking about beef burgers that have never tasted so good, served without the usual ketchup, mustard, or traditional bun. Instead, this dunk burger recipe takes inspiration from the beloved grilled cheese and French dip, combining their best elements into one sensational sandwich. You can have these mouth-watering burgers on your table in approximately 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a fun weekend meal.
For the perfect accompaniment to your Dunker Burgers, consider serving them with some crispy Homemade Onion Strings or a batch of these glorious Homemade Double Fried Fries. These sides complement the rich flavors of the burger and au jus beautifully, rounding out an exquisite meal that will impress everyone at your table.
The Irresistible Dunker Burger: A Story of Inspiration
As a Nebraska native, I’ve spent a significant portion of my life enjoying the culinary delights of my home state. However, for the past few years, my family and I have been fortunate enough to split our time between our Nebraska home and our cherished retreat in Okoboji, Iowa. Okoboji captured my heart 30 years ago on my very first visit, and it has remained a special place ever since, filled with wonderful memories and fantastic local eateries.
One of our absolute favorite dining spots in Okoboji is a charming establishment called The Hut. It’s a cozy bar and grill that stands out because it’s open year-round, unlike many seasonal businesses in the area. The very first time I stepped into The Hut, I decided to try one of their signature dishes: The Dunker Burger. As someone whose go-to sandwiches often include a classic Grilled Cheese or a savory French Dip, the concept of a burger that combined the best of both worlds was instantly appealing. I was intrigued, to say the least.
I ordered it, took my first bite, and it was love at first taste. The flavors, the texture, the experience of dipping it into the rich sauce – it was simply divine. From that moment on, I knew I had to recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen. After numerous attempts and refinements, I’ve finally perfected the recipe, and I’m thrilled to share it with you so you can experience the magic of The Hut’s Dunker Burger right at home!
Why the Dunker Burger is Your Next Go-To Recipe
This Dunker Burger recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably versatile and convenient. If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead and get a head start on your weekly dinners, this recipe is perfect for you. You can easily prepare a batch of hamburger patties on a Sunday afternoon, allowing you to quickly assemble these sensational burgers when burger night arrives during a busy weekday. This foresight is especially helpful for those hectic evenings when everyone in the family needs to be in a different place at the same time, ensuring a satisfying and quick meal is always within reach.
If you find yourself falling in love with this unique dunk burger experience, then you’ll undoubtedly enjoy exploring other gourmet burger recipes that offer a twist on the traditional. Be sure to check out these equally delicious options: a savory Mushroom Swiss Burger, a hearty Reuben Burger, or a zesty Italian Burger. Each offers a distinct flavor profile that promises to keep your burger game exciting and fresh.
Perfect for Any Occasion: The Versatility of this Dunk Burger Recipe
The Dunker Burger is an ideal dish for a wide array of gatherings and meals. Whether you’re planning your next weekend barbecue – and it cooks up beautifully on a Blackstone Griddle! – a casual family get-together, or a lively picnic party, these burgers are sure to be a hit. For an extra touch of sophistication and fun, consider cutting them into “slider size” portions. This makes them perfect as an appetizer at your next dinner party, a crowd-pleasing addition to a potluck, or the ultimate tailgate snack. Everyone, without exception, will adore dipping these mini-burgers into the rich, savory au jus. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
For those who might not be familiar with “au jus,” it’s a French term meaning “with juice.” In culinary terms, it refers to a dish served with its natural juices, often reduced into a light sauce or gravy. While traditionally au jus is enriched with beef drippings from roasting meat, our homemade version for this Dunker Burger recipe is designed to be equally flavorful without them, offering a simpler yet delicious preparation. However, if you have beef drippings on hand and wish to enhance the depth of flavor even further, feel free to incorporate them into your au jus. It’s a wonderful way to add an extra layer of richness to this already fantastic dipping sauce.
Essential Ingredients for Crafting Your Dunker Burgers
To ensure you create the most authentic and delicious Dunker Burgers, gather these simple yet crucial ingredients. For the full, detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
For the burger construction:
- Ground beef: We recommend using lean ground beef, expertly pattied into three ⅓-pound burgers. The lean-to-fat ratio ensures a flavorful burger without excessive grease, perfect for this specific preparation.
- Texas toast: This thick-cut bread is a non-negotiable component, providing the ideal sturdy base and satisfying texture. Its robust nature holds up perfectly to the juicy burger and the dipping au jus. While thick slices work best, regular sliced bread can be used in a pinch if Texas toast is unavailable.
- Butter: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy crust on your Texas toast. Both salted or unsalted butter will work wonderfully; simply use what you have on hand.
- American cheese: Classic American cheese slices are chosen for their superior melting qualities and creamy flavor, which perfectly complements the beef. However, any good melting sliced cheese that you enjoy can be substituted if you prefer.
For the rich homemade Au Jus:
- Butter: Forms the base of our roux, adding a creamy richness to the au jus. Again, salted or unsalted varieties are both suitable.
- Flour: All-purpose white flour is used to create a roux with the butter, which is crucial for thickening the au jus to the perfect consistency.
- Beef stock: The primary liquid component, providing a deep, savory beef flavor. High-quality beef stock or beef broth will yield the best results.
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for adding an incredible depth of umami flavor and a subtle tang that truly elevates the au jus.
- Onion powder: Just a small touch of onion powder contributes a gentle, aromatic onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors in the au jus. Adjust to your personal taste preference.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft Your Own Dunker Burger
Creating the Dunker Burger involves a few straightforward steps, each contributing to the ultimate flavor and texture. While there are a few components, the process is quite easy, and the exceptional end results will undoubtedly make it all worthwhile. Let’s break it down:
First: Prepare the Homemade Au Jus. Begin by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour continuously until a smooth roux forms, ensuring there are no lumps. This roux will be the foundation of your rich dipping sauce.
Second: Build the Au Jus Base. Gradually whisk half of the beef stock into the roux. Continue whisking diligently until the sauce begins to visibly thicken. At this point, incorporate the Worcestershire sauce, which adds a crucial umami depth, and then add the remaining beef stock, blending everything thoroughly.
Third: Simmer and Season the Au Jus. Bring the au jus mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and deepen. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile. Once perfected, set the au jus aside to keep warm while you assemble the burgers.
Fourth: Prepare the Texas Toast. Take your thick slices of Texas Toast and generously butter one side of each slice. This butter will create a beautiful golden crust when toasted.
Lightly brown the buttered side of the Texas Toast on a griddle or in a frying pan until it achieves a perfect golden hue and slight crispness. Be careful not to over-brown it at this stage, as it will be cooked again. Once browned, set the toast aside.
Fifth: Cook the Burgers and Melt the Cheese. Pan-fry or grill your beef patties to your preferred level of doneness. For a juicy burger, avoid overcooking. Once cooked, immediately top each patty with two slices of American cheese, allowing the residual heat to gently melt the cheese until it’s just beginning to ooze. Remove the cheese-covered burgers from the skillet. Important: Before proceeding to the next step, wipe the pan completely free from any burger drippings. This prevents any burnt bits or unwanted flavors from transferring to your Texas Toast.
Sixth: Assemble the Burger. Now it’s time to construct the Dunker Burger in its “grilled cheese style” glory. Place one cheese-covered patty on a slice of your lightly browned Texas Toast, ensuring the toasted side of the bread faces inward. Then, take another piece of Texas Toast, also with its toasted side facing inward, and place it on top of the melted cheese, effectively sandwiching the patty. This creates the inner structure of your Dunker Burger.
Seventh: Grill to Golden Perfection. Generously butter the outsides of your assembled burger (the non-toasted sides of the Texas Toast). Place the entire burger onto a clean skillet or griddle. Cook it “grilled cheese style,” pressing down gently, until the outer bread is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the cheese within is fully melted and gooey. This step is where the magic truly happens, creating that irresistible crust and creamy interior.
Eighth: Serve and Enjoy! Once the Dunker Burger is golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted, remove it from the heat. Carefully cut it in half diagonally – this traditional cut makes dipping easier and more enjoyable. Serve immediately with your warm, homemade au jus on the side for dipping. Get ready to experience a burger like never before!
To store any leftover Dunker Burgers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. However, for the absolute best flavor and texture, we highly recommend storing the individual components (patties, au jus) separately and assembling only as many burgers as you plan to eat fresh. This ensures each Dunker Burger maintains its optimal crispness and juicy integrity.
Don’t Miss Out! Pin This Recipe for Later
If you’re as excited about this incredible Dunker Burger recipe as we are, make sure you don’t lose track of it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board right now so you can easily find it whenever that craving for a truly unique and satisfying burger strikes. Sharing is caring, and this recipe is definitely worth sharing!
Frequently Asked Questions About Burgers and Toast
Let’s delve into some interesting facts about two key components of our Dunker Burger: Texas Toast and the very name “hamburger.”
Why do they call it Texas Toast? The distinctive name “Texas Toast” comes from its signature characteristic: its impressive thickness. Legend has it that this extra-thick bread originated when a restaurant owner in Texas requested his bread supplier to slice bread double the thickness of standard slices. This instantly brought to mind the popular adage, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” and the name stuck. Its substantial nature makes it perfect for soaking up juices and holding hearty fillings, just like in our Dunker Burger.
Why is it called a hamburger? Despite its name, a “hamburger” typically contains no ham. Research suggests that the name “hamburger” is derived from the city of Hamburg, Germany, a significant port city. It is widely believed that in the 19th century, sailors returning to Hamburg from trade routes with the Baltic provinces of Russia introduced a dish of raw shredded beef, which eventually evolved into what we recognize today as the cooked ground beef patty. Over time, as German immigrants brought their culinary traditions to America, this “Hamburg steak” transformed into the iconic hamburger sandwich we all know and love.
Creative Substitutions to Customize Your Dunker Burger
One of the beauties of cooking is the freedom to adapt recipes to suit your unique preferences, dietary needs, or what you simply have available in your pantry. When it comes to making substitutions in this Dunker Burger recipe, don’t hesitate to get creative! Make it truly your own and explore new flavor combinations.
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Alternate Proteins: While beef is traditional, you can easily swap out the beef patties for ground chicken, turkey, or even ground pork. Each will offer a distinct flavor profile and maintain the delicious “dunkable” experience.
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Cheese Varieties: American cheese is a classic for its meltability, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Provolone, Swiss, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack would add fantastic depth and character to your burger. Use whatever cheese you have on hand or what your taste buds crave!
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Bread Alternatives: If Texas Toast isn’t available or you’re looking for a different texture, thick slices of brioche bread make an excellent substitute. Its rich, slightly sweet flavor and soft interior, coupled with a crispy exterior when grilled, would be a delightful alternative.
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Vegetarian Option: For a delicious vegetarian version, simply replace the beef patties with your favorite veggie burgers. When preparing the au jus, ensure you use vegetable broth instead of beef stock to keep it entirely vegetarian-friendly. The rich au jus will still complement the veggie burger wonderfully.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Dunker Burger
Achieving Dunker Burger perfection is easier with a few insider tips and tricks. These suggestions will help you streamline your cooking process and enhance the overall taste and experience of your meal:
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Utilize Pre-Cooked Burgers: If you’re short on time or simply looking for convenience, don’t hesitate to use frozen burger patties. They can be cooked directly from frozen and incorporated into this recipe. Even leftover homemade burgers are a fantastic option – just pull them out of the fridge or freezer, reheat gently, and transform them into a fresh Dunker Burger.
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Stock Your Freezer: For ultimate meal prep efficiency, keep a ready supply of hamburger patties, Texas toast, and even pre-made au jus in your freezer. Having these components on hand means you can whip up this delicious dunker burger recipe almost spontaneously, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
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Appetizer Perfection: Elevate your entertaining game by cutting your cooked Dunker Burgers into quarters, creating delightful “slider size” portions. These mini-burgers, served with individual ramekins of au jus, make an impressive and incredibly popular appetizer for any dinner party or gathering.
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Choose the Right Ground Beef: For the most flavorful and juicy burger, opt for 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). The higher fat content renders during cooking, contributing to a rich taste and moist texture that is crucial for a truly satisfying burger experience.
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Patty Size Matters: When forming your burger patties, aim to make them slightly larger than your slices of Texas toast. Remember that burgers tend to shrink as they cook, so starting with a slightly larger patty ensures it fills the bread adequately after cooking, providing a perfect meat-to-bread ratio.
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed the creativity and flavor of the Dunker Burger, you’ll love venturing into other unique and comforting sandwich recipes. Here are some more of our favorites that are sure to satisfy:
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BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches With Kraut: A hearty and flavorful sandwich, perfect for a robust meal.
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Turkey Reuben Sandwich (The Rachel): A lighter take on the classic Reuben, offering a delightful combination of flavors.
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Grilled Turkey and Havarti: A warm, melty, and incredibly satisfying grilled sandwich with a gourmet touch.
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Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches: A fun and family-friendly twist on the classic sloppy joe, packed with flavor.
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Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches: An effortless recipe for tender, flavorful chicken sandwiches, perfect for busy days.
In conclusion, the Dunker Burger is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Thick, juicy beef patties, perfectly melted American cheese, and crispy Texas Toast cooked grilled-cheese style, all served with a warm, savory side of au jus – it’s the perfect antidote when you’re craving something truly different and exceptionally delicious. We all need a change of pace in our culinary routines every now and then, don’t you agree? This burger is exactly that: a delightful departure from the ordinary, promising comfort and joy in every single bite. Give it a try, and let it redefine your burger expectations!
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Print Recipe
Dunker Burger
Equipment
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Pack of 2 Silicone Solid Turner,Non Stick Slotted Kitchen Spatulas
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22 Inch Blackstone Electric Griddle Nonstick with Lid
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle, 16.75 Inch x 9.5 Inch, Black
Ingredients
- For the burger:
- 1 pound lean ground beef pattied into three ⅓ pound burgers
- 6 slices of Texas toast
- Butter for toasting bread
- 6 slices of American cheese
- For the Au Jus:
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon flour
- 1 ¼ cups beef stock
- ½ Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Sprinkle onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Au Jus: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour until smooth and no lumps remain, forming a roux. Whisk half of the beef stock into the roux, continuing to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken. Add in the Worcestershire sauce and the remaining stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste with onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
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Brown the Texas Toast: Butter one side of each Texas Toast slice. Lightly brown the buttered side on a griddle or in a frying pan until golden. Set aside.
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Cook Burgers and Melt Cheese: Pan-fry or grill the ground beef patties until they reach your desired doneness in the center. Immediately top each cooked patty with two slices of American cheese, allowing the cheese to just begin to melt. Remove the burgers from the skillet.
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Assemble the Burger: Place one cheese-covered burger patty on a slice of the lightly browned Texas Toast (with the toasted part facing inward). Top with the other piece of Texas Toast, also with the toasted side facing inward, to form a sandwich.
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Grill “Grilled Cheese Style”: Generously butter the outsides of the assembled burger (the non-toasted bread surfaces). Place the burger on a clean skillet or griddle and cook “Grilled cheese style” until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
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Serve: Cut the Dunker Burger in half diagonally and serve immediately with the warm au jus for dipping.
Notes
This recipe is absolutely fantastic for cooking on a Blackstone Griddle, yielding perfect results every time!
Nutrition